The tongue is mainly composed of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. Small bumps (papillae) cover the upper surface of the tongue. Between the papillae are the taste buds, which allow you to taste. The tongue moves food to help you chew and swallow.

The tongue also helps you form words.

There are many different reasons for changes in the tongue's function and appearance.

DIFFICULTY MOVING THE TONGUE

Tongue movement problems are most often caused by nerve damage. However, problems moving the tongue may also be caused by ankyloglossia, a disorder where the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short. Tongue movement disorders may result in speech difficulties or difficulty moving food during chewing and swallowing.

TASTE ABNORMALITIES

Taste problems can be caused by damage to the taste buds, nerve problems, side effects of medications, an infection, or other condition. The tongue normally senses sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Other "tastes" are actually a function of the sense of smell.

Color changes may occur with inflammation of the tongue (glossitis). Papillae are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a patchy form of glossitis where the location of inflammation and the appearance of the tongue change from day to day.

HAIRY TONGUE

Hairy tongue is a harmless condition in which the tongue looks hairy or furry. Its appearance can be worrisome. The disorder usually goes away with antibiotics.

BLACK TONGUE

Sometimes the upper surface of the tongue turns black or brown in color. This is an unsightly condition but is not harmful.

After menopause, some women have a sudden feeling that their tongue has been burned. This is called burning tongue syndrome or idiopathic glossopyrosis. There is no specific treatment for burning tongue syndrome.

Minor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness. Injury, such as biting the tongue, can cause painful sores. Heavy smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.

A viral ulcer, also called a canker sore, commonly appears on the tongue (or anywhere in the mouth) for no apparent reason. Some doctors believe that these ulcers are linked to emotional stress or fatigue, although this has not been proved.

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